Deion Sanders Coach Prime Inspires Phillies as Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos Rally Ahead of NLDS Game 3

The Philadelphia Phillies are facing a crucial game in their National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday, and they have found an unlikely source of motivation: Deion Sanders, the legendary football and baseball star who is now the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes.

Sanders, who is also known as Coach Prime, has been documenting his journey of transforming the Colorado football program in a four-part docuseries on Prime Video. The Phillies have been watching the series as a team and have been inspired by Sanders’ charisma, leadership, and passion for the game.

Sanders’ message resonates with Phillies

One of the players who has been most influenced by Sanders is Bryce Harper, the Phillies’ star outfielder who is having a phenomenal season. Harper, who grew up idolizing Sanders, said he admires how Coach Prime connects with his players and instills a winning culture.

Bryce Harper just walked into Citizens Bank Park wearing a Deion Sanders "Coach Prime" shirt 👀 pic.twitter.com/DDWx5yfqzV

— MLB Life (@MLBLife) October 11, 2023

“He’s just a great motivator and a great leader,” Harper said. “He knows how to get the best out of his guys and make them believe in themselves. He’s also very entertaining and fun to watch. He makes you want to play hard for him.”

Harper said he has been applying some of Sanders’ lessons to his own game, such as being confident, aggressive, and fearless on the field. He also said he has been trying to be more vocal and supportive of his teammates, especially in the postseason.

“I think we can learn a lot from him as a team,” Harper said. “He always says that you have to be ready for the moment and seize the opportunity. That’s what we have to do in this series. We have to play with energy, intensity, and joy. We have to play like Prime Time.”

Castellanos credits Sanders for helping him bounce back

Another player who has been influenced by Sanders is Nick Castellanos, the Phillies’ other star outfielder who joined the team in 2022 after a disappointing stint with the Cincinnati Reds. Castellanos said he struggled to adjust to his new environment and his new role as a designated hitter last year, and his numbers suffered as a result.

Nick Castellanos pulled up in a Coach Prime hoodie 😤 pic.twitter.com/N2EeNrpI8a

— MLB Life (@MLBLife) October 11, 2023

However, Castellanos said he found new inspiration after watching Coach Prime’s docuseries this year. He said he was impressed by how Sanders overcame adversity and criticism in his first year as a head coach at Jackson State University, where he led the Tigers to an undefeated season and a conference championship.

“He showed me that you can always turn things around if you work hard and stay positive,” Castellanos said. “He also showed me that you have to enjoy the game and have fun with it. He always has a smile on his face and a joke ready. He makes the game fun again.”

Castellanos said he has been following Sanders’ advice of playing with passion, pride, and purpose. He said he has been more relaxed and confident at the plate, and his results have improved dramatically. He is hitting .316 with 24 home runs and 93 RBI this season, ranking among the top hitters in baseball.

“He’s been a huge inspiration for me,” Castellanos said. “He’s helped me rediscover my love for the game and my confidence in myself. He’s made me a better player and a better person.”

Phillies hope to emulate Sanders’ success

They done messed around pic.twitter.com/MivRO0RX9A

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 11, 2023

The Phillies are hoping that their admiration for Sanders will translate into success on the field, as they face a pivotal game against the Braves on Wednesday. The series is tied at 1-1 after the Braves won Game 2 on Monday with a dramatic comeback.

The Phillies will send Aaron Nola to the mound, while the Braves will counter with an unknown starter after their ace Max Fried was scratched due to illness. The Phillies will look to take advantage of their home-field advantage at Citizens Bank Park, where they have a .686 postseason win percentage, the best in baseball.

The Phillies will also look to emulate Sanders’ winning attitude and swagger, as they try to take control of the series and move one step closer to their first NL pennant since 2009.

“We’re ready for this challenge,” Harper said. “We’re ready to play like Coach Prime.”